Description

563 km, 8 days, 8 ferries, 5 districts, 2 states, 1 region – the Konkan. Are you ready to discover it by the world’s most eco-friendly and energy efficient form of transport?

The Konkan coast is of the most scenic coastal stretches in the world. On this unique and fully supported cycling expedition, organised by cycle-touring experts – Pedal Thirst Adventures and heritage travel experts – Swadesee we will explore the immense cultural heritage, historical and natural beauty of the region, while testing our own endurance and penchant for adventure!

Dates : 5th – 12th January, 2019

Distance and Elevation : 563 km, 6700 m elevation gain

Reporting at : Mumbai (Gateway of India) – 5th January, 6:30 am

Itinerary (Day wise schedule) :

Participants from Mumbai will gather at the Gateway of India at 6:30 am to board a ferry to Alibaug via Mandwa jetty. Outstation participants can join the group at the Gateway of India (recommended) or directly at Alibag at 8:30 am.

Day 1: Alibag to Diveagar, 86 km

From Alibag, we will start our 8 day long expedition, riding past rice fields and mangroves. The first part of the day will be relatively flat, until we arrive at the town of Revdanda. Here on, we will encounter small and medium sized climbs and short descents until the jetty at Agardanda, where we will cross over to Dighi. From here, just one big climb will separate us from our destination of the day – Diveagar.

On our way, we will visit the Khokari tombs – a site of immense historical importance in the region. We will pass through the Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary and the popular beaches of Kashid and Murud on our route.

It will be a long day of riding, but the peace and isolation in the small and picturesque town of Diveagar will calm your muscles.

Ancient baobab trees near Murud

Day 2: Diveagar to Karde, 79 km

After breakfast, we will depart from Diveagar along the coastal route, past idyllic fishing villages and pristine, isolated beaches. We will cycle past the historically important towns of Shrivardhan and Harihareshwar to reach the jetty at Bagmandla. From here, we will cross the Savitri river over to Veshvi.

This day will be filled with numerous medium sized climbs that will really test our climbing skills.

From Veshvi, we will continue through dramatic scenery towards the coastal town of Kelshi. From Kelshi, we will continue along the coast, to Harnai. At Harnai we will witness one of the most fascinating and unique markets in the world.

A short ride later we will arrive at our destination, Karde beach.

Isolated beaches on Day 2

Day 3: Karde to Velneshwar, 75 km

Another hard day of constant climbs and descents lies in store for us. As a reward for getting further away from Mumbai, the air gets cleaner, the greenery gets denser and the waters appear to be bluer and clearer.

We depart from Karde and hug the shoreline until Ladghar, from where a series of gruelling climbs and rapid descents will bring us to the jetty at Dabhol, an ancient port city rich in heritage. If we are lucky, we can spot thousands of orange jellyfish in the waters near Dabhol.

On our way, mango orchards will appear and surround us from all sides – reminding us that we are in the heart of Ratnagiri district!

From Dabhol, we will cross over by ferry and to Veldur continue further south to Guhagar beach and then arrive at our destination – Velneshwar after a few medium sized climbs.

Crossing over at Dabhol jetty

Day 4: Velneshwar to Ganeshgule, 80 km

From Velneshwar, we will ride along a stunningly isolated part of Maharashtra, with pristine beaches and forests of Casuarina trees as we arrive at Tawsal jetty. The climbs will still be plenty, but slightly smaller in size as compared to the previous days.

From Tawsal, we cross over by ferry to Jaigad from where one of the most scenic stretches of the expedition will begin. We will ride parallel to the long stretches of Malgund, Ganpatipule, Aare and Waare beaches until we arrive at Ratnagiri – the biggest city on our journey. Colorful fishing villages and expansive views from sea cliffs accompany us on the route, making every climb worth the effort.

We ride through the city and on towards the pristine beach of Ganeshgule – our destination for the day.

Beautiful coastal scenes on day 4

Day 5: Ganeshgule to Vijaydurg, 54 km

We will depart from Ganeshgule and make our way south, taking a quick halt at the charming fort of Purnagad.

As we climb from plateau to plateau we will notice how the picturesque valleys and their slopes are dotted with rice, mango, jackfruit and supari plantations.

This day will be slightly shorter as we arrive in the early afternoon at Dande, from where we take a boat to cross the Vagothan river and spend the evening visiting of the largest and best preserved forts in Maharashtra – Vijaydurg. Participants can also choose to go on a boat ride to view dolphins, if time permits.

The mighty Vijaydurg Fort

Day 6: Vijaydurg to Tarkarli, 92 km

This would be of the longest days of the expedition, but with the terrain gradually flattening out, it will become easier to ride. We would now be riding through Maharashtra’s least populated district – Sindhudurg, famous for its pristine beaches and delicious cuisine.

We will ride along the coast past the town of Devgad – famous for its Hapus mangoes, and along some extraordinary beaches and cliffs until the temple town of Kunkeshwar.

From Kunkeshwar the route heads inland, with small and medium sized climbs until we arrive at our destination – the popular resort town of Tarkarli.

Clear waters near Devgad

Day 7: Tarkarli to Vengurla, 42 km

We will have the morning to our leisure, where one can visit the captivating sea fort of Sindhudurg or go scuba diving or snorkelling to view the incredible marine life in and around the waters of Tarkarli.

We will resume our journey after lunch by taking a ferry across the Karli river and riding towards the last town on the Maharashtra coast – Vengurla.

The route would be characterised by idyll, peaceful towns and villages and a few big climbs right before Vengurla.

Tarkarli Beach

Day 8: Vengurla to Anjuna, 55 km

Just 24 km from the Goa border, we will start early in order to reach our destination by lunch. We will cross the border via the Aronda bridge and take a moment to celebrate our success. As we enter Goa we will see a drastic change in the culture as signboards in Russian will greet us everywhere and the landscape will be filled with picturesque churches from the Portuguese era.

We will ride past Arambol and Morjim beaches to arrive at Anjuna – where we will end our expedition. Participants can stay over in Goa and can book an overnight train from Thivim or a bus from Mapusa to return to Mumbai or Pune.

Maharashtra-Goa Bridge

COST : ₹ 14,990

Discount : Early bird discount of ₹ 1000 only for those booking before 31st October.

COST INCLUDES:

Accommodation in neat and clean local homestays on triple/four sharing basis

Authentic local breakfast, lunch and dinner from day 1-7, breakfast and lunch on day 8

Filtered drinking water and fresh, local beverages along the route

All travel costs such as ferry crossing fees

A trained guide on a cycle along the route along with necessary repair kit etc

A support vehicle all along the route, which would take care of your luggage

A mechanic along with the group to take care of running repairs

COST EXCLUDES:

Cycle hire: Participants are expected to get their own cycles for the tour. However we can provide you the cycles on hire at Alibag, which you can use to cycle from there till Goa. Once the trip is over we would take the cycle back. Cost for the same would be approx ₹ 3000

Transport costs to Gateway of India and back home from Goa (for individuals and personal cycles). Cycles can be carried back home either in volvo buses or trains. Support vehicle can be used to get cycles till Pune at an extra cost of ₹ 500 per cycle.

Overnight stay in Goa on day 8.

Any expenses of personal nature such as mineral water, laundry, liquor, tips to driver or any other service personnel etc.

Any kind of cost needed for major repairs and spares to repair a personal cycle in case of break down.

Any kind of insurance, such as accident, theft, medical, evacuation etc.

Any additional expense caused due to any reason beyond control of Pedal Thirst Adventures or Swadesee and its associates; like change in itinerary due to flight delays, road blockage, landslides, bad weather conditions, bridge breakage and any other natural calamity or incidence like strike, curfew etc. on which Pedal thirst adventures / Swadesee and its associates do not have any control.

Items not specified above in ‘Cost Includes’.

SPECIAL NOTES:

Your luggage would be carried in the support vehicle.

A professional cycle mechanic would be with us throughout the journey from Alibag to Goa. If any minor repair work needs to be done (like punctured tyre etc.), we would do it free of cost; but any major repair work and/or involving spare parts, would be charged at actual.

It is mandatory for all participants to wear helmets on the ride. It is also essential that your cycles be fitted with front and rear lights.

On this arduous cycle trip delays and detours are possible on account of landslides, road blocks and weather conditions. Our effort would be to continue with the trip as per the schedule; make sure that you would be comfortable. But in rare situations we could have to compromise on the accommodation that we have booked and adjust to these situations there. No compensation of any sort would be provided in such an event.

The itinerary described above is the planned one; but very rarely due to reasons beyond our control some spot changes would have to be done. The decision of the tour guide would be final in such a case. No compensation of any sort would be provided in such a case.

The distances mentioned in the above itinerary are to the best of our knowledge & information. Some minor variations would be expected.

The above costing is for a minimum of 8 pax.

The cost mentioned above is for India citizens.

CANCELLATION:

Cancellation charges are applicable on actual full tour price.

60 days prior to the expedition – Full refund.

Between 60 – 30 days – 80% of the tour cost will be refunded.

Between 29 – 15 days – 50% of the tour cost will be refunded

Less than 15 days 0% – No refund.

PAYMENT:

Once you have registered, payment can be made online via this link or by direct bank transfer. Online payments will attract nominal card transaction fees.

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Moderate – Difficult

This trip involves long cycling efforts on continuously ascending and descending roads. This also would need good endurance, both mental and physical, from the participants. This expedition is meant for adventurous people who want to test their endurance limits while at the same time want to explore untrodden paths and learn about the magnificent Konkan region!

If you can complete 40-50 km of riding within 4 hours, you are fit enough to join this expedition!

GEOGRAPHY OF THE KONKAN COAST:

Coastlines can either be submergent or emergent, formed by the relative submergence or emergence of the land with respect to the sea. And all of peninsular India’s coastline, except for the Konkan coast is emergent. Common features of emergent coastlines include sand bars, spits, coastal lagoons and river deltas. These generally make for a flat ride.

On the other hand, the submergent Konkan coast is filled with cliffs, mountains, inland plateaus and many many short and fast flowing rivers that form deep estuaries – making it a cyclists paradise. In fact, the terrain is so rugged that the Konkan was the last major stretch in sub-Himalayan India to be connected by the railways, in an incredible feat of engineering that connected Mumbai and Goa by rail only as recently as 1998. This train journey is now considered one of the most scenic routes in India.

ACCOMMODATION:

To learn more about the region directly from the locals (and to help them benefit from tourism) we will stay in local homestays with neat and clean rooms and attached toilet and bath facilities. Participants would be required to share with 2 or 3 other participants, based on the size of the room at each homestay. Men and women will be accommodated separately.

Electricity and hot water would be available at all homestays. High speed mobile internet networks cannot be guaranteed, but are mostly available in the region.

FOOD:

We would have local food along the way to immerse ourselves in the unique and world famous local cuisines – such as Konkani, Malvani and Goan. Meals provided by us would only be vegetarian, however participants can choose to upgrade to a non-vegetarian meal by paying the difference on the spot. Sometimes during the cycling expedition we might have to serve either packed breakfast or lunch.

MEDICAL AND FIRST AID:

This cycle expedition is in a relatively remote region, where advanced, professional medical help may not be available as easily as it is in Mumbai or Pune. It would be the participant’s responsibility to ensure that he or she is in good health, physically and mentally both. It would be advisable to speak to your physician if you are unsure of your fitness levels. In case you have an existing medical condition or disability you must inform us before booking with us. If in our opinion, this cycle expedition to Mumbai to Goa is not suitable for your medical condition, we reserve the right to refuse booking. In case of any health problem that you might face on the trip, it would be advisable to speak to your tour leader. The tour leader would be equipped to give only first aid to participants. Any expense incurred by us for any medical emergency / for evacuation for any reason, the expenses for the same would be borne by the concerned participant.

THINGS TO CARRY :

Sports shoes during cycling and sandals for the evenings at the homestays

Anti-rash cream or powder to avoid any rash near groin area from cycling. Anti-fungal cream: Carry an anti-fungal cream if you are sensitive to sweating and prone to skin irritations around genitals or groin area.

CONCTACT:

Mohit Bagadia : 9920286319

Saideep Dhondge : 9028280766

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